The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently launched the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a pilot program that will accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles.
Under the program, public-private partnerships between state and local government entities and private sector companies will develop new frameworks and regulations for enabling safe AAM operations. There will be at least five pilot projects, and the program will run for three years after the first project becomes operational.
The FAA envisions eIPP operations will include piloted and unmanned approaches to cargo, increasing automation safety, short-range air taxis, longer-range fixed-wing flights, and logistics and supply serving emergency management, medical transport or off-shore energy facilities.
AAM technologies have the potential to reduce road congestion in urban areas, expand connectivity to rural communities, and enhance emergency services or medical transport.
Interested participants must demonstrate the viability of new AAM technologies in ways that deliver new benefits to the public. Applicants must be a state, local, tribal or territorial government with a U.S.-based private sector partner or partners.
Participants will use piloted, optionally piloted, or unmanned AAM aircraft generally weighing more than 1,320 pounds. The aircraft may be capable of carrying passengers.